Dumenko to Community of Democracies: UOC is creating "persecution image"

Epifaniy Dumenko and Mantas Adomenas. Photo: OCU

On July 3, 2025, during a meeting with the Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, Mantas Adomenas, Epifaniy Dumenko assured that in Ukraine, despite the war, real freedom of religion is ensured. According to the official website of the OCU, their leader stated that it is the UOC that creates a "distorted picture of persecution" in the world.

According to Dumenko, his words are confirmed by the position of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.

"At the same time, the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine is trying to create a distorted picture of alleged 'persecutions' in the world due to the unwillingness to truly sever ties with the church structure of the aggressor country," he continued.

The press service informs that the parties agreed that it is very important to counteract disinformation and the politicization of history as threats to the development of free societies.

"The true role of the Church in the spiritual and moral support of the people during the war was also emphasized, and freedom of religion was designated as an integral component of democracy," the statement says.

The Community of Democracies, in turn, positions itself as an intergovernmental platform engaged in the protection of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of conscience and religion.

As reported, the seizure in Chernivtsi was overseen by Epifaniy's uncle.

Read also